DDB School of Ballroom and Latin Dancing

Daniel DeBenedetto (Dan) Instructor and Owner

In 1973, Dan graduated from SUNY Cortland with a BS degree in Education, specializing in Physical Education. He is qualified in both the American and International styles of Ballroom Dancing and has continued his coaching in Advanced Ballroom Dancing with Frances Rogers, Fellow ISTD (Imperial Society of Teachers of Dance); William Keehan, Member ISTD; Peter Billett, former President, Fellow, and Adjudicator ISTD; and Pierrette Chartier, Fellow and Adjudicator ISTD.

Dan has coached at Golonie Central Junior and Senior High Schools, was a member of the Physical Education Staff of Hudson Valley Community College, and was a member of the Dancing Staff of SUNY Cortland and Siena College. He opened his studio in 1978.

Dan has twice won awards for Outstanding Teacher for the Canadian Independent Dance Teachers Association, as well as awards for Outstanding Teacher for the Mid-Atlantic Dance Championships, Outstanding Teacher for the Montreal Danse Sport Competition, and The Big Apple Award for the USIDT A for Teacher Recognition.

Since its inception in 1978, the DDB Studio has been a competitive studio. Interested students have participated in the Canadian Independent Dance Teachers Association Competitions in Toronto, Canada, United States Independent Dance Council Competitions, Mid-Atlantic Dance Championships, Montreal Danse Sport Competitions in Montreal, Canada, and the CanAm Championships in Toronto, Canada.

Pierette Chartier - Visiting Trainer

ISTD Fellowship in Ballroom and Latin Dancing
Adjudicator of Professional Competitions throughout the United States and Canada
Trained and Certified in England